A Date With Design

In this special on-location episode of A Date With Design, we step out of the studio and into the world of Brisbane’s evolving hospitality scene, joined by celebrated restaurateur Simon Gloftis.Together we explore how truly memorable dining experiences are created — not just through food, but through atmosphere, architecture, and the quiet rituals that surround a meal.Through the stories behind Sushi Room and SK Steak, Simon shares how design, mood and materiality shape the character of a restaurant. From the cinematic intimacy of Sushi Room’s omakase theatre to the bold, celebratory energy of SK Steak, this episode looks at how great venues become destinations in their own right.A must-listen for aspiring restaurateurs, hospitality leaders and designers wanting insight into how great venues are conceived, designed and brought to life.We cover:00:00 – Introductions01:37 – The Icebreaker - Simon Gloftis12:54   – The Entrée – Sushi Room 35:18 – The Main Course – SK Steak & Oyster 44:07 – The Spark – Tamara Ralph 47:55  – The Sweet Bite - Lo and Co. Maximus Collection Cocktail of the Week - Sushi Room MartiniSpecial GuestSimon Gloftis @simongloftisSt Albans  https://www.st-albans.com.au/VenuesSushi Room https://www.instagram.com/sushi___roomSk Steak & Oyster https://www.instagram.com/sk.steakandoysterHellenika https://www.instagram.com/hellenikaThe Calile Hotel https://www.instagram.com/thecalilehotelDesigned by Richards and Spence https://www.instagram.com/richardsandspencehttps://www.richardsandspence.com/Design Muse of the WeekTamara Ralphhttps://www.instagram.com/tamararalphhttps://tamararalph.com/Sweet Bite of the WeekLo and Co. Maximus Collection https://www.instagram.com/loandcointeriorshttps://loandcointeriors.com.au/collections/maximusLiked this date? Follow along for the next oneSubscribe to the podcast or watch on our YouTube channel for the full visual experience https://www.youtube.com/@adatewithdesign_auFollow us on Instagram @adatewithdesign_au for behind-the-scenes, design finds, and future reservations.Slide into our inbox with what’s inspiring you — and where you think we should go next. Your suggestion might just become our next reservation!info@adatewithdesign.com.auwww.adatewithdesign.com.auInstagram https://www.instagram.com/adatewithdesign_auTikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@adatewithdesign_auSpotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/6DooRpVgnbvxKLrMH2DKTV

In this episode, Arielle and Jill take you on a decadent Melbourne design date. From cathedral-like dining rooms and iconic Melbourne bars to neon-lit dive joints and cult ramen spots, they unpack how great hospitality design shapes atmosphere, behaviour, and memory. The conversation then turns from plates to prompts and the future of the interior design industry, with a deep dive into AI tools for designers, prompt writing, visualisation, ethics, and creativity — featuring insights from interior designer and AI coach Rhiannon Lee of Oleander & Finch. Plus, Arielle and Jill go head-to-head in a game entirely designed by ChatGPT. A must-listen podcast for those curious about how technology and intuition are redefining modern design.We cover:00:00 – Introductions00:59– The Icebreaker - Our Melbourne Design Date02:34   – The Entrée – Melbourne Venues 14:46 – The Main Course – AI chat with Rhiannon Lee43:04 – Living Edge Showroom Tour with Todd Brain57:21 – The Spark – Current Design Muse 1:00:12 – Chat GPT Cards Against Humanity Design Version1:08:20 – The Sweet Bite - Dinosaur DesignsCocktail of the Week - Aperol Spritz90ml Prosecco60ml Aperol30ml Soda water1 orange sliceLots of iceFill a large wine glass with ice.Pour in the Prosecco first (this keeps the drink lively).Add the Aperol and watch that signature sunset colour bloom.Top with soda water and give a gentle stir.Garnish with an orange sliceVenuesBeverly Rooftop https://www.beverlyrooftop.com.au/ @beverlyrooftopInterior Design: Mitchell & Eades https://www.mitchelleades.com/@mitchellandeadesReine & La Rue https://reineandlarue.melbourne/ @reine.larueLongrain https://longrainmelbourne.com/  @longrainmelbourneLonsong https://longsong.com.au/ @longsongmelbourneHeartbreaker https://www.heartbreakerbar.com.au/ @heartbreakerbarShop Ramen https://www.shopramen.com.au/ @shopramenSpecial GuestsRhiannon Lee - Interior Designer and Business MentorOleander and Finch https://www.oleanderandfinch.com/ @oleander_and_finchDesigning Success Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/03P6rHYORh8uu4zAWeI7qQ (Interview with Rhiannon held at the Decor + Design Show in July 2025)Todd Brain, Living Edgehttps://livingedge.com.au/Design Muse of the WeekCharles and Ray Eames https://www.eamesoffice.com/ @eamesofficeSweet Bite of the WeekDinosaur Designs https://www.dinosaurdesigns.com.au/ @dinosaur_designsLiked this date? Follow along for the next oneSubscribe to the podcast or watch on our YouTube channel for the full visual experience https://www.youtube.com/@adatewithdesign_auFollow us on Instagram @adatewithdesign_au for behind-the-scenes, design finds, and future reservations.Slide into our inbox with what’s inspiring you — and where you think we should go next. Your suggestion might just become our next reservation!info@adatewithdesign.com.auwww.adatewithdesign.com.auInstagram https://www.instagram.com/adatewithdesign_auTikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@adatewithdesign_auSpotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/6DooRpVgnbvxKLrMH2DKTV

A Retro Motel Romance takes us on location to the Gold Coast for Open House 2025, where we explore two beautifully restored mid-century motels and unpack why these roadside icons still matter. From neon palms, breeze blocks and terrazzo entries to poolside culture and pastel perfection, Jill and Arielle dive into Australia’s love affair with motel design and the optimism of post-war travel culture. We wander through lobbies, guest rooms and courtyards, reflect on personal holiday memories, and get real about preservation versus progress — asking whether nostalgia is a design trap or a love letter worth keeping. Along the way, we talk adaptive reuse, heritage hospitality design, and the designers, artists and motel owners keeping these retro gems alive. It’s coastal-cool, candid, and a little bit romantic — proof that great design doesn’t just age well, it flirts with you forever. Grab a cocktail, hit the highway, and check in with A Date With Design.We cover:00:00 – Introductions02:38 – The Icebreaker - The First Sip - Retro Revival13:44   – The Entrée – Gold Coast Open House21:17 – The Main Course – On Location: Retro Motel Tours36:40 – The Spark – Current Design Muse - Alex Proba  44:15 – The Real Talk - Why Preservation Matters53:21 – The Sweet Bite - Ellison StudiosCocktail of the Week - The Pink PoodleThink neon signs humming at dusk, terrazzo underfoot, and that first sip signalling you’ve officially checked out of real life.60 ml Gin20 ml Sugar syrup30 ml Bundaberg Pink Grapefruit Sparkling30 ml fresh lemon juiceIceTo garnish pink grapefruit segments or a red glacial cherry, a sprig of rosemary, and dried edible cocktail petals. Add to an iced martini glass add the gin, sugar syrup, Bundaberg Pink Grapefruit Sparkling, and lemon juice.Garnish with pink grapefruit segments, a glossy red cherry, a rosemary sprig and a scattering of dried petals. Design matters — even in a drink.VenuesGold Coast Open House https://goldcoastopenhouse.com.au/ @goldcoastopenhouseThe Pink Hotel https://www.thepinkhotelcoolangatta.com/ @thepinkhotelcoolangattaThe Cheshire Cat Motel https://www.cheshirecatmotel.com/ @cheshire_cat_motelThe Shores Motel https://www.shoresmotels.com/ @theshores_miamiSpecial GuestMonique Luchterhand - Interior Designer @m_o_n_studio and owner of Cheshire Cat Motelhttps://www.instagram.com/m_o_n_studioArchitecture by https://www.instagram.com/plus.studio.co/Design Muse of the WeekAlex Proba / Studio Proba https://www.studioproba.com/ @alexprobaThe Real TalkTim Ross / Modernister https://modernisterbooks.com/ @modernister Book - Motel - Images of Australian on HolidaysAnna Carey / Artist Liked this date? Follow along for the next oneSubscribe to the podcast or watch on our YouTube channel for the full visual experience https://www.youtube.com/@adatewithdesign_auFollow us on Instagram @adatewithdesign_au for behind-the-scenes, design finds, and future reservations.Slide into our inbox with what’s inspiring you — and where you think we should go next. Your suggestion might just become our next reservation!info@adatewithdesign.com.auwww.adatewithdesign.com.auInstagram https://www.instagram.com/adatewithdesign_auTikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@adatewithdesign_auSpotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/6DooRpVgnbvxKLrMH2DKTV

In this episode, Arielle and Jill peel back the curtain on hospitality through the eye’s of one of Queensland’s most respected food critics, Anooska Tucker-Evans, for an intimate look inside the mind of someone who has seen — and tasted — it all. From first impressions and design dealbreakers to the delicate balance between food, service, and ambience, they explore what truly makes a hospitality experience unforgettable. With candid insights, sharp observations, and a touch of playful speed-dating, this conversation delves into how interiors shape dining memories. From Brisbane’s evolving dining scene to the design mistakes that can derail even the best food, this conversation offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at what makes a restaurant truly unforgettable. A must-listen for designers, restaurateurs, and anyone who believes great meals are about more than what’s on the plate.We cover:00:00 – Introductions3:34 – The Icebreaker - Meet Anooska Tucker-Evans9:00   – The Entrée – What makes great Hospitality21:39 – The Main Course – A deeper dive into Hospitality 41:32 – The Spark – Current Design Muse 52.02 – Speed Dating - This or That Game 59:03 – The Sweet Bite - Articolo StudiosCocktail of the Week - The Classic MargPink Himalayan Salt40ml Tequila40ml Fresh Lime Juice15ml Cointreau15ml Agave Syrup (Sugar Syrup)IceRun a lime wedge around the rim of the glass and dip lightly in flaky salt.In a shaker, add tequila, lime juice, cointreau, and syrupShake hardStrain into a chilled glass over fresh iceDesign Muse of the WeekAnthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/tv-series/anthony-bourdain-parts-unknownRick Steins Mediterranean Escapeshttps://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/tv-series/rick-steins-mediterranean-escapesSelling Sunsethttps://www.netflix.com/au/title/80223108Sweet Bite of the WeekArticolo Studios  https://articolostudios.com/@articolostudiosLiked this date? Follow along for the next oneSubscribe to the podcast or watch on our YouTube channel for the full visual experience https://www.youtube.com/@adatewithdesign_auFollow us on Instagram @adatewithdesign_au for behind-the-scenes, design finds, and future reservations.Slide into our inbox with what’s inspiring you — and where you think we should go next. Your suggestion might just become our next reservation!info@adatewithdesign.com.auwww.adatewithdesign.com.auInstagram https://www.instagram.com/adatewithdesign_auTikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@adatewithdesign_auSpotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/6DooRpVgnbvxKLrMH2DKTV

In this episode, Arielle and Jill check in at Melbourne to explore the city’s most captivating hotel interiors. From sleek contemporary luxe at Hyde Melbourne Place to the playful, eclectic energy of Standard X, they unpack how modern hotels are evolving — blending local character, global trends, technology, sustainability, and sensory storytelling. With their signature mix of candid insight and playful banter, they rate first impressions, materials, atmospheres, and guest experiences, and even decide which hotel deserves a second date. Along the way, they share a design muse, play a cheeky hotel-themed swipe left/swipe right game, and spotlight their latest design obsession. Perfect for anyone who loves interiors, hospitality, and the art of creating spaces that feel as good as they look.We cover:00:00 – Introductions01:42 – The Icebreaker - Room with a Design View6:26   – The Entrée – Evolutions in Hotel Design12:30 – The Main Course – Melbourne Place VS Standard X27:49 – The Spark – Current Design Muse 30:26 – Swipe Left/Swipe Right Hotel Edition35:06 – The Sweet Bite - Style Sourcebook  Cocktail of the Week - Dirty Martini  7.5ml Olive Brine15ml Vermouth60ml Brookies GinGarnish: Sicilian Olives Shake not stir with ice ;)   VenuesAce Hotel Sydney https://acehotel.com/sydney/@acehotelsydneyInterior Design: Flack Studio https://flack.studio/ @flackstudio_Hyde Melbourne Place https://hydehotels.com/melbourne-place/ @hydemelbourneplaceArchitecture & Interior Design: Kennedy Nolan https://www.kennedynolan.com.au/ @kennedy_nolanThe StandardX Melbourne  https://www.standardx.com/melbourne/  @thestandardxmelbourneArchitecture: Woods Bagot https://www.woodsbagot.com/ @woodsbagotInterior Design: Hecker Guthrie https://www.heckerguthrie.com/@heckerguthrieDesign Muse of the WeekLambs and Lions Studio Berlin https://lambsandlions.com/@lambsandlionsberlinSweet Bite of the WeekStyle Sourcebook https://stylesourcebook.com.au/ @stylesourcebookLiked this date? Follow along for the next oneSubscribe to the podcast or watch on our YouTube channel for the full visual experience https://www.youtube.com/@adatewithdesign_auFollow us on Instagram @adatewithdesign_au for behind-the-scenes, design finds, and future reservations.Slide into our inbox with what’s inspiring you — and where you think we should go next. Your suggestion might just become our next reservation!info@adatewithdesign.com.auwww.adatewithdesign.com.auInstagram https://www.instagram.com/adatewithdesign_auTikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@adatewithdesign_auSpotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/6DooRpVgnbvxKLrMH2DKTV

Welcome to the very first episode of A Date With Design… In this episode, The First Date, we set the tone for what’s to come.Our first Design Date takes us underground to Central, Brisbane — an award-winning hospitality space where history, theatre, and modern dining collide. We experience the venue through a diner’s eye, unpacking first impressions, atmosphere, layout, comfort, and those all-important details that shape how a space feels long after the meal ends. From its layered design narrative to the way food, service, and setting work together, Central becomes our benchmark for what a truly considered hospitality experience looks like.Venue: Central  https://www.centralbne.com.au/ @centralbneInterior Design: JAR Office https://www.jaroffice.com/ @j.ar.officeWe cover:00:00 – Introductions01:00 – The Icebreaker - Our Design Journey10:20 – The Entrée – Hospitality Design13:10 – The Main Course – Design Date Review: Central BNE27:58 – The Spark – Current Design Muse 31:09 – Design Speed Dating36:03 – The Sweet Bite - Franca StudioCocktail of the Week - The First Sip Elderflower SpritzA light, floral aperitif to open the evening.30ml Elderflower Liqueur   15ml Gin90ml ProseccoMint Sprigs and Lemon Twist to garnishIceBuild over ice in a wine glass:Elderflower liqueur and gin, topped with prosecco and a splash of soda.Finish with a twist of lemon and fresh mint.Effortless, refreshing, and best enjoyed as the conversation begins.Sweet Bite of the WeekFranca Studio - 3D Printed Lights and Objects https://www.francastudio.com.au/ @_francastudio_Liked this date? Follow along for the next oneSubscribe to the podcast or watch on our YouTube channel for the full visual experience https://www.youtube.com/@adatewithdesign_auFollow us on Instagram @adatewithdesign_au for behind-the-scenes, design finds, and future reservations.Slide into our inbox with what’s inspiring you — and where you think we should go next. Your suggestion might just become our next reservation!info@adatewithdesign.com.auwww.adatewithdesign.com.auInstagram https://www.instagram.com/adatewithdesign_auTikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@adatewithdesign_auSpotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/6DooRpVgnbvxKLrMH2DKTV